14 Years!

One week until my "Blessings Celebrate Day!" 

Can't believe that this year marks 14 years since I injured my back. Each year on/near the anniversary of Oct 25th, I celebrate the blessings God has given me over the past year. And each year, I continue to be amazed at His generosity, HIs kindness, and His creativity in giving me blessings. 

This year, I'd like to know what, if anything, you've learned because of my journey of chronic pain. I know that I have learned so much. But I'd like to know if you too have learned anything as you've followed me, prayed for me, or have gotten to know me over the past 14 years. 

If you have learned anything as you've read my blog, or followed my journey, please comment. 

Thank you. Looking forward to hearing what my friends are learning because of my journey.

How will it all work out?

As I was talking with God last night and this morning about this "moving adventure", I realized that I'm most excited to see His creativity in taking care of all the details. God continues to amaze me in how He takes care of me in such creative and unique ways. I'm looking forward to the little and big things He does to work out all the details.

“Pinch me, I must be dreaming!”

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 126. Here is what I learned.

When the Lord brought back the captives [who returned] to Zion, we were like those who dream [it seemed so unreal]. Psalm 126:1 (AMP)

It seemed like a dream, too good to be true, when God returned Zion’s exiles. Psalm 126:1 (MSG)

We were like them that dream, etc. In the lapse of seventy years the hope of restoration to their land, so long deferred, had mostly gone out in despair, save as it rested (in some minds) on their faith in God's promise. The policy of those great powers in the East had long been settled, viz., to break up the old tribes and kingdoms of Western Asia; take the people into far eastern countries, and never let them return. No nation known to history, except the Jews, ever did return to rebuild their ancient cities and homes. Hence this joyous surprise. Henry Cowles, in "The Psalms; with Notes," 1872

“Pinch me, I must be dreaming!” A phrase said when something just too wonderful happens which we can’t believe it’s true. 

I have to say that I’m often surprised and need to pinch myself, how God takes care of me. God has used many unique and creative ways, to supply money for bills, prescriptions, general needs, and people to help in many ways. 

On one hand I shouldn’t be surprised or amazed when God takes care of my needs, yet, on the other hand, His goodness and creative ways cause me to be in awe. 

God keeps His promises, and although it may seem too good to be true, it’s not! 

To create a positive day, no need to “Pinch me, I must be dreaming!”—I simply need to accept God’s gracious gifts and thank Him for His goodness. 

Attend Class

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 19. Here is what I learned.

Each day pours out more of their sayings; each night, more to hear and more to learn. Psalm 19:2 (VOICE)

Day after day they ·tell the story [bubble/pour forth speech]; night after night they ·tell it again [declare knowledge]. Psalm 19:2 (EXB)

Day unto day - One day to another; or, each successive day. The day that is passing away proclaims the lesson which it had to convey from the movements of the heavens, about God; and thus the knowledge of God is accumulating as the time moves on. Each day has its own lesson in regard to the wisdom, the power, and the goodness of God, and that lesson is conveyed from one day to another. There is a perpetual testimony thus given to the wisdom and power of the Great Creator.

Uttereth speech - The word here rendered uttereth means properly to pour forth; to pour forth copiously as a fountain. Compare Proverbs 18:4; Proverbs 1:23; Proverbs 15:2, Proverbs 15:28. Hence, the word means to utter; to declare. The word "speech" means properly "a word;" and then, "a lesson;" or "that which speech conveys." The idea is, that the successive days thus impart instruction, or convey lessons about God. The day does this by the returning light, and by the steady and sublime movement of the sun in the heavens, and by all the disclosures which are made by the light of the sun in his journeyings.

And night unto night showeth knowledge - Knowledge respecting God. Each successive night does this. It is done by the stars in their courses; in their order; their numbers; their ranks; their changes of position; their rising and their setting. There are as many lessons conveyed to man about the greatness and majesty of God by the silent movements of each night as there are by the light of the successive days - just as there may be as many lessons conveyed to the soul about God in the dark night of affliction and adversity, as there are when the sun of prosperity shines upon us. Barnes' Notes on the Bible

I’m thankful that not only is there so much to learn about God and how He works, but that He is a great teacher. God knows that I learn best with visual, or hands-on experiences. And God provides many lessons showing and allowing me to experience His truths. 

As I lie in bed each night, I enjoy reviewing what God taught me and how He demonstrated His love to me that day. I continue to be amazed at how creative God is in teaching me. 

To create a positive day, I need to “attend class” and be open to what God wants to teach me each and every day. 

God is so Creative!

One thing which I have enjoyed over the past 11 years, since my injury, is seeing all the creative and fun ways God uses to supply my various needs. This week, once again, God supplied in a very fun and creative way. 

Since February of this year, I've lost 56 pounds through a diet program offered by my Chiropractor. Therefore, all the clothes that WERE in my closet were too big. I needed to buy smaller sizes. YEAH!

A local thrift store chain was having a 50% off sale, so I visited several of their stores in the area. WOW... the deals I found! 

I was able to buy: 5 cardigans, 6 dress shirts, 3 pair of dress pants, 2 pairs of jeans (green/black), 1 pair of shorts, 3 light jackets, 1 windbreaker, 1 fall jean jacket, 1 winter jean jacket (lined) and 1 winter coat (with removable liner). And the best part of it all—was the price! All this for UNDER $75.
When I see what I was able to buy—and that a new winter coat would have cost that much—WOW!!

Very thankful that God provided a SUPER SALE, so that I could buy some nice clothes and coats for the coming months. The sale was one way God used to supply my needs.

But God was NOT done supplying!

God had a VERY special
SURPRISE waiting for me! 

As I was sorting all the "new" clothes for either the laundry or cleaners, I went through all the pants pockets. And that is when I found the surprise God had waiting for me! In one of the pockets there was a $20 bill! 

I had to stop and realize all the DETAILS that God had to work out, so that He could give me that $20! 

• the person who donated the pants, had to leave the $20 in the pocket. 
• each person who inspected the pants at the thrift store, had to "miss" the $20. 
• not sure if anyone else tried on the pants, but if they did, God had to "keep their hands out of the pockets". 
• I had to pick that pair of pants to try on... and buy. 

Just thinking of ALL the details that God took care of to give me a surprise of $20 to help me buy 'new' clothes—once again shows His awesome care and love for me. 

When I think of all the creative and fun ways

that God supplies my needs,

it is VERY easy to CREATE a POSITIVE day!

Superabundantly!

I received a notice to stop by the apartment office to sign a new lease due to a change in a formula used to determine my disability rent reduction. I wasn't sure what that really meant. 

Today, on the way to my Chiropractic appointment, I stopped by the apartment office. The manager brought out the new lease....and my rent has been LOWERED! Yes, God has provided $5 per month due to the rent reduction. But that's not all! I also was given a CREDIT! So, God provided $50 plus the additional $5 per month for the next few months.

Once again God uses a VERY creative and unique way of providing! I've been on disability rent reduction for about 5 years now, and never has my rent decreased during that time...it usually increases each year. Never could I imagine my rent being reduced MID-LEASE! But God is not bound by disability rent formulas or time! He is ABLE to do EXCEEDINGLY ABOVE all we can ask or THINK!! 

"Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]." Ephesians 3:20 Amplified Bible

So, let's recap so far.....

• March 9th I bought the new MacBook (Screen Went Dark; March 11th).

God has provided money the following ways:

1. The money I had saved for a new Wacom Tablet.
2. The discount at the gas pump (God did it AGAIN!; March 22nd).
3. The gift from friends via the mail (Hugs!; March 27th).
4. Rent reduction and credit (today).

I wonder what God has planned
for the balance due on the MacBook! Stay tuned!!

I'm so thankful that God is so creative! It sure encourages me to continue creating positive days!

God did it AGAIN!

Once again, God provided in a VERY creative way! I love it when God does things out of the ordinary to supply my needs. It's so cool!!

Today, I needed to buy gas for the car. I normally buy it at a gas station near my chiropractor. But when I left his office tonight, I was so excited with my weigh-in results (see below), that I drove the opposite direction from the gas station. I soon realized my mistake, but figured I'd just stop at another gas station I pass on the way home.

I stopped at the station, got out and scanned my gas credit card. Then there was a question on the screen: "Do you want the $1.64 g/ discount?"

I stood there trying to figure out what it was asking, then looked at the price of the gas: $4.399 per gallon! YES, I want the discount. I pressed "yes" then this message appeared: "Car wash is not available, but you will still get your discount." So, I paid only $2.759 per gallon!

My car took 9.775 gallons to fill the tank. So, God provided at total of $16.03 today!! How cool is that???

If you read my last post about my computer dying, I mentioned in the last paragraph, that God could supply the money all at once or little by little. Today, God provided $16.03! I'm not sure what I like best...that God provided the money or the way He provided the money.

________________________

Oh, and now about my weigh-in results. On Feb 6, 2012 I posted: "Changing to Improve" about a new diet plan my chiropractor is offering. As of today (March 22nd) end of week 6, I'm down a TOTAL of 14 pounds and I've also lost inches and fat and gained lean muscle mass. I'm so excited that this program is working for me. I still have more weight to lose, but I'm heading the right direction.

Creating a positive day is taking notice of when God provides for my needs—especially taking notice of His very creative ways!

God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good!

"New Place"

Here are some pictures of my "new" apartment. The remodel make the place look GREAT. I'm still unpacking boxes, but making great progress. 

On Friday, God led me to an Estate Sale and I was able to get two almost new tan swivel rockers. They look so much better with my decor than the rose colored ones I had. God also provided the "man-power" to load them into my car, and carry then up to my apartment. Love it when God takes care of those details! 

Since I'm unpacking slowly, I've been able to take time to reflect on how God provided various items. From craft supplies to a stereo, God has given me wonderful gifts. It's been fun to reflect on God's creative provisions. 

Unpacking would be a dreaded chore, except by reflecting on how God provided the items, it has become a very positive experience. Throughout Scripture people built memorials to remember what great things God did. I think we miss out on opportunities to remember God's greatness because we don't take time to reflect on all He's done for us. While unpacking, I've been reminded over and over of the creative ways God cares for me. And when I remember that God loves me... that makes the day positive!

Counting My Blessings!

Details by God's Design!

Yesterday I was to see my Pain Management Doctor. I was moving slow in the morning. I was to be in the shower around 8:15, but just couldn't move. At 8:20 the phone rang. It was my doctor's office. The doctor had an emergency and they needed to cancel my appointment. They knew I needed my meds and wanted to figure out how I could get my prescription. If I was in the shower I wouldn't have been able to discuss what I needed. Sometimes moving slow can be designed by God! :>)

Have you noticed the ways God worked the details in your life?

I'll share another example: A few years ago, I was heading out to my physical therapy. I got to my car, got in and started the motor. As I looked around to back out, my car was SURROUNDED by geese! They wouldn't move. I tired honking the horn, gunning the engine. They just stood there. I was trapped in my car. Then the geese just walked away. It was the strangest thing. I left for my PT appointment....on the way, I came upon an accident. It had just happened. If those geese hadn't surrounded my car, I would have been at that intersection at the moment of the accident. God knew that with my pain, I couldn't handle more; so, He used geese to keep me from leaving!!!! He's so creative!!!

God works in the details. Whether it's geese to keep me from leaving, or just making me have a 'slow day' so I wouldn't miss a phone call. Now your turn. Tell me about the times God showed Himself in the details of your life! Let's celebrate His goodness together!

You can post it here, or go to http://illnesstwitters.ning.com/forum/topics/god-in-the-details, and add your comments there.

Praising God for His goodness is a great way to create a positive day!